Tears of Sadness and Joy, all at the same time...

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Over the course of our lives we start to collect things, stuff and items that bring "Tears" of both joy and sadness when we remember the time, person or place where we first got the item.

Of the literally thousands of items in my home the Embroidery sampler that hangs on my wall today is one of those.

The story is long but in my heart, very interesting.

When I first moved into my new home back in Illinois, with my then new husband, my mom hand stitched a sampler embroidery with her rendition of my home.  I loved it.  She put so much energy into each little stitch.

The date, 1976.

 What brought this long lost thought to my mind was my bloggy friend,  Pat, over at Corn in my Coffee Pot 

 She spotted the wall hanging that has graced my walls over the years, in the background of a photo I posted in a previous post.

The story behind this also has another twist, not only did my mom embroider this beautiful sampler but during a move many years ago, my family went from Illinois to San Antonio, Tx, and this sampler came along in a moving van. Since my moms death it has hung with such pride in every home I've lived since.

My brother Tom died in 1986 and during the sad time of his death I remember asking his wife if I could have a liothograph he bought on a trip to "Boys Town, Nebraska".  He was so proud of this treasure and I so wanted to hang it in my home.  Well she said no and with tears in my eyes, I let it go.

Time and the Mr's Job  had me moving every few years and when I got to Ft. Lauderdale my Tears came flowing when I saw the movers broke the entire frame and did a bit of damage to my moms embroidery. But low and behold, behind the embroidery was this beautiful wall art that my brother cherished.  "He gave it to me" was all I could think (16 years after his death) and then again the Tears began to flow.

It's time to pass this beautiful piece of art down to my daughter.  As most of you know she now has 3 sons of her own and these brothers are so close.  Uncle Tom loved Gina when she was young,  and totally doted on her.  I know he would be proud to know it will hang in her home as her boys grow.

"Tears of joy and sadness all rolled into one"

A special thank you to "Pat" for bringing back a fond memory and a Tear to my eye 

I'm linking this post up to

Jenny Matlock's Alphabet Thursday

Flaunt It Friday 

Inspiration Friday 

A Favorite Thing Saturday 

        

" Gold Star Mothers"

 Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed in the United States on the last Sunday of September each year. It is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces.

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The name the Gold Star Mothers was derived from the custom of military families who put a service flag near their front window. The flag featured a star for each family member serving in their country – living members were denoted in blue but gold stars honored family members who were killed while in duty. In 1918 President Woodrow Wilson approved the wearing of black arm bands bearing a gilt star by those who had a family member who died in the military service to the United States. This distinguished them from the blue stars, representing a family member presently serving in the armed forces.
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was incorporated in 1929, obtaining a federal charter from the US Congress. It began with 25 mothers living in the Washington DC area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the nation. On June 23, 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother's Day, a holiday that has been observed each year by a presidential proclamation.

If you know a "Gold Star Mother" give her a hug or a phone call today, let her know your thinking of her and her sacrifice for us all.

Arranging Fresh "Cone Ginger" Flowers,

 It's a glorious Sunday here in Clearwater.  The weather is perfect and I feel great after 9 days with a vicious bout of vertigo.
  I had the physical therapy treatments and 'it's gone'!! (I'm crossing my fingers it stays gone).
I took a walk through my gardens and found the Cone Ginger was blooming.  There must be two dozen flowers and their so big.

I brought three into the house and washed them of the dirt and grime that settled in the little grooves of the large cone.
  The feel of these flowers is waxy and they held much water that had to be shaken out. I've never put these flowers in an arrangement and thought 'why not'?  

  I also cut a few Firespike and some greenery from the African Iris that grows out back.
Perfect!  I wonder how many days the arrangement will hold it's shape?  Interesting floral arrangement.....

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As I said, "I'm feeling great today" but will follow the therapists instructions and take it easy for one more day, so I'll work on a costume I'm making for my young grandson.  He and his brothers play costume at home and the older boys have proper "Spider Man" and "Bat Man" costumes.  Poor little Alex has parts from other costumes and tells everyone he is "Robin"

Poor little guy!  He needs a proper costume don't you think?

I have all the items I need and will get it ready for his birthday box to be mailed on Tuesday.  Just in time for Halloween also.

I wanted to send out a big "Thank You" to all who sent messages on my not feeling well.. your concern and good thoughts helped me, a lot!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

(( huggss ))

I'm joining

Sunny Simple Sunday 

Wow Us Wednesday 

Outdoor Wednesday 

Fertilizer Friday